Women from Himalayas | 10 Photos

Summer is the only time the people of Zanskar have access to fresh local food. Every family in this region has a small farm where they grow vegetables like peas, carrots, potatoes and a variety of greens. The family consumes what's needed . The rest is put to dry for use in the severe winter months.

We met her on a day trek through the forest near Chatpal. We had stepped out without any food and were extremely hungry when we spotted their hut among a huge herd of sheep. She was unwell that day. She and her husband were heading out to the nearest medical center, 10km away. The entire journey both ways would be on foot. She gave us a hot cup of the traditional namkeen chai (salted tea) and apologised for not being able to offer anything more because of their rush!

Women set out to start work in the fields. Firewood is still a major source of fuel in the houses in rural Kashmir. Women make several trips in the day collecting wood for daily use in the kitchen. Around August, they also start stocking wood for the winter months.
Initially surprised at seeing us, they soon became pally and were amused that we wanted to click their pictures. But they were relaxed and actually enjoyed being photographed.

Ravijaan, Gausijan and their mother Mahajibin from the village of Thimran in Shangus district of Kashmir, India. Never having seen people with a camera pass through their village, they got curious and were bold enough to initiate a conversation. There was a wedding in the village the previous day, so the lady had put mehendi (henna) on her hands. She was delighted to have a picture taken of her hennaed hands.

Joys of a simple life; these girls are trying to run away from another one (with the back to the camera) splashing water on them. This is in a small village called Sani in the Zanskar valley. Read more about the Simple life in Sani.

Sani festival is a big event in the Zanskar. People from all over Zanskar, dressed in their festive best come to Sani for this festival. Everyone is in a gung ho mood meeting friends and relatives. It is a great moment to soak in the camaraderie and the joyous atmosphere. Read more at Sani festival: Colourful victory of good over evil